On 1st March, the Bill SB 341 was introduced. This legislation establishes a clothing labelling program that is intended to reduce the amount of microfiber plastic in the State's waterways.

On May 7 the Bill passed the Senate, but the House then folded its language into an amended HB 5360 that has been now transmitted to Governor for signature.

US (New York) - Textile

Additional proposed requirements for Microfiber clothing labelling

On 8th May, the New York State Assembly published Bill number A 10599 for its approbation. This legislation would require that, from 1st January 2020, any new clothing made from fabric that is composed of more than 50% synthetic material shall bear a label with the following statements, according to the type of product:

For clothing for which machine washing or hand washing is recommended or required

On 30th April, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China published the announcement No. 23 of 2018 with the industry update standard list. Some examples of the standards (not exhaustive list) related to textile, footwear and Light Industrial Products that have been included in this announcement:

HG/T 5294-2018 Rubber-plastic shoes for elders

FZ/T 43014-2018 Silk scarf and shawl

FZ/T 81010-2018 Trench coats

FZ/T 81022-2018 Woven kitchen garments and accessories

QB/T 1333-2018 Handbag and knapsack

QB/T 1584-2018 Leather glove

QB/T 1618-2018 Belt

QB/T 5245-2018 Leather garment with down feather fillers

Click here for getting the official publication of the announcement No. 23 of 2018 (in Chinese).

China - Textile

Updated natural fibers –terminology standard

On 1st September, the standard GB/T 11951-1989 will be superseded by the new updated version GB/T 11951-2018. Brief summary of some updates in this version are:

Added “fibers secreted by some molluscs”, such as Byssus, in the classification of animal fibers type

The single use plastic (SUP) items represent about half of all marine litter items found on European beaches. The problem of marine litter is transboundary by nature, as litter moves in the marine environment and litter originating from one country can affect others. It is for this reason that a joint action is needed to reduce it. The European Commission is working on this matter through initiatives, proposals and strategies such as:

The last publication: Proposal for a DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment with reference(COM/2018/340 final - 2018/0172 (COD)).

This last proposal was published on 28th May with the main objective of preventing and reducing plastic marine litter. This proposal applies a SUP items and fishing gear containing plastic. At national level there are countries that are already working in national bans such as UK with “The Environmental Protection (Microbeads) Regulations 2018” and France that will ban plastic cups, plates and cutlery of only one use by 2020. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is also working in the restriction of microplastics.

Click here for getting the European Commission Press release about Single-use plastics. Click here for getting the ECHA article related to Plastics, chemicals and regulation.

Europe - Consumer goods

Amending the period of validity of the EU ecolabel for indoor paints and varnishes

On 2nd May, the European Commission published the Commission Decision (EU) 2018/666 of 27 April 2018 amending Decision 2014/312/EU as regards the period of validity of the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for indoor and outdoor paints and varnishes (notified under document C(2018) 2479). According to this amendment, the ecological criteria for the product group “indoor and outdoor paints and varnishes” and the related assessment and verification requirements shall be valid until 31st December 2022

Click here for getting the publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

France - Consumer goods

Safety requirements for portable ladders, stepladders and footboards

On 4th April, the Notice on the application of Decree No 96-333 of 10 April 1996 on consumer safety with regard to portable ladders, stepladders and steps was published. This notice includes, in Appendix I and II, the list of standards that these products should comply in terms of specifications, requirements and markings.

New requirements for flame retardants in upholstered furniture and juvenile products

The “Flame Retardant Chemicals in Upholstered Furniture and Juvenile Products Ordinance” was signed by the Mayor on 23rd April and it come into effect on 1st January, 2019. The Ordinance prohibits the sale of upholstered furniture and certain juvenile products that contain or is made with a flame retardant chemical at a level above 1,000 parts per million. For products with electrical or electronic components containing or made with a flame retardant chemical at a level above 1,000 parts per million shall comply beginning 1st July, 2019.

Protecting the consumer and the environment limiting the VOC content and maintain the ozone air quality benefits. The idea is to continue offering effective products without increasing the cost on the market

Canada - Consumer goods

Children’s Jewellery Regulations Update

On 2nd May, Canada authorities published “Children’s Jewellery Regulations: SOR/2018-82” in the Canada Gazette. Compared to the previous version SOR/2016-168, the updated Children’s Jewellery Regulations include the following main amendments:

• Children’s jewellery must not contain more than 90 mg/kg of lead (total content) • Add cadmium content requirement (130 mg/kg) for children’s jewellery if the jewellery item is a small part after a force of not more than 4.45 N is applied.

The regulations would come into force on 2nd November, 2018. Click here for more information.

Canada - Consumer goods

New “Consumer Products Containing Lead Regulations”

On 2nd May, Canada authorities published the updated “Consumer Products Containing Lead Regulations (SOR/2018-83)” repealing the “Consumer Products Containing Lead (Contact with Mouth) Regulations (SOR/2010-273)” The new Regulations maintain the same lead limit as the previous ones but extend the scope of application These regulations apply to the following products:

Products that can be in contact with mouth during normal use (except kitchen utensils or product subject to the Glazed Ceramics and Glassware Regulations).

Products intended for use by a child under 14 years:

Any clothing or clothing accessory

Products that are intended for use in learning or play

Book or similar printed product (with some exceptions)

Products whose primary purpose is to facilitate the relaxation, sleep, hygiene, carrying or transportation of a child under four years of age.

Any accessible part (that may be touched, licked, mouthed or swallowed during foreseeable use of the product) of the above mentioned consumer products must not contain more than 90 mg/kg of lead (with some exceptions as described in Section 2 (2) of the Regulations) The regulations would come into force on 2nd November , 2018.